Post by Radrook Admin on Jun 23, 2019 18:12:03 GMT -5
The Tao of the Disgruntled Clerks
The Chinese word Tao, means way. I first encountered it in Bruce Lee's book: The Tao of the Intercepting Fist. The WAY of the Intercepting Fist, a revolutionary approach to the martial arts that emphasized flexibility instead of just rote exercises. The way I am using it is to refer to certain habits that certain pestiferous store-clerks are notorious for.
All of us have encountered these individuals when we least expect it. The chip on their shoulder is so large, that they are stooped to one side. Their smiles are laced with barely camouflaged sneers and they seem to have an endless repertoire of nasties which they are able to deploy whenever the urge impels them. Of course, like all human behavior these also have their motives.
Below are five that I am sure are involved in the behavioral phenomenon that I will classify as the Tao of Clerkishness. Below are reasons why a Checkout clerk might go out of her or his way to be nasty.
Reasons
1. Racism
Let's face it, clerks come in all varieties and racists will be given the job sooner or later. Of course they don't proclaim themselves racists during the interview. But once they feel firmly established, then off comes the mask of civility and their true nature is given full reign.
2. Looking to get fired
Some clerks are so miserable in their jobs, that they just want out and might be subconsciously trying to get the owner's attention so that he fires them. Of course, there is no better way to do this than to disrespect customers. So there they stand or sit, waiting to growl, bark, sneer, and do whatever it takes to be released from their job.
3. Viciously sadistic cruel nature.
The truth is that humans very often enjoy inflicting humiliation and pain on others. Nothing personal. It is simply fun for these persons to know that they have the power to make others squirm via embarrassing them publicly, and are willing to risk dismissal as long as they are having fun.
4. Inferiority Complex:
A deep feeling of having failed in life, because all they could do was become a clerk, can lead a clerk to compensate by treating customers in disrespectful ways. In short, if they can easily treat you with disrespect, then they feel equal and can calm down a little.
5. Trying to harm the owner by reducing clientele.
Some of these bozos are just plain dissatisfied with the salary or the job responsibilities they are given. Unable to complain for fear of getting fired, they will treat you, the customer, in a bad way so that you do not return. This way they are striking back at the employer by hitting him where it hurts, in the pocket.
6. Political Obligation
Under the current USA political administration, certain citizens have been tagged as unwelcomed in the USA, So treating such persons badly, is considered as a patriotic duty that contributes in MAGA, Making America Great Again. For example, a member of the maligned group approaches the counter, and the politically motivated beast, will go into his or her MAGA mode and plow into the customer with as much disrespect as he can safely muster. Of course, if the customer takes it to the boss, it all depend on whether the boss is or isn't in favor of the MAGA effort. If they are-then I guess you will be wasting your time.
Two things to avoid doing that will infuriate grocery clerks:
1. Do not hesitate at the counter as if you are waiting for a "Thank you!" This will trigger the "I don't have to thank you!" reaction that will have the clerk thanking everyone but you. Or have him saying happy holiday, happy New Year, Merry Christmas to everyone except to you. So as soon as the SOB places the groceries in the bag, turn and without even glancing at him, leave.
2. Don't order special items:
Some clerks consider that EXTRA responsibilities without pay compensation and will see you as the cause of their problem. That will trigger their effort to get rid of you in order to lighten their work-load. You might mention it in passing and leave it there. In response to your asking, some clerks will make sure that the item you showed interest in never arrives just to show you what your correct place is in relation to him.
3: Don't let the references of you as "Boss" impress you.
Sounds good? Well, it can be sarcasm, and if you look carefully, you will eventually catch the SOB sneering with another employee after calling Boss.
Miscellaneous things Amish clerks might do they will do to get their message across.
1. Toss the money at you instead of giving it to you in your hand and stand with a gloating face as you pick the scattered coins off the counter.
2. Say "Have a great day!" in such a way that you get the message that they really don't give a rat's fat ass about you nor your day.
4. Make as if you are invisible, and attend to other customers who arrived after you first.
5. Wordlessly stare smilingly at you when you tell the Amish manager about some blatant rudeness or just turn their back and walk away as you are reporting it.